Wirral couple raises cash for cancer care in son's memory

A WIRRAL family has raised nearly £1,500 for cancer care facilities after setting up a Christmas Charity Shop in memory of their son.

Set up by Rose and Keith Fairhurst the shop in Wallasey sold festive cards, decorations, toys, clothes and household goods.

It raised funds for people suffering from Cancer and Crohn's Disease and Colitis, a subject which is very close to the hearts of Rose and Keith.

Their son Graeme lost a battle with cancer, aged 30, in 2009. He also suffered from Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. The shop is just part of his family's fundraising campaign which has so raised around £23,000 for cancer facilities.

Working closely with the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and consultant gastroenterologist John Rhodes, they have established a charity called '3C'.

It aims to raise awareness of people living with the '3Cs'; Cancer, Crohn's Disease and Colitis as well as funds for a new centre in the Royal for young patients with either of the '3Cs'.

To date the family has raised around £23,000 towards their target of £40,000.

Keith said: "We want to provide modern facilities for young patients living with Cancer, Crohn's and Colitis to receive treatment in more comfortable surroundings.

"We want to help them lead as normal a life as possible, improving their social experience with a new facility for the new Royal, kitted out with a recreation area with comfy sofas and laptops."

Rose said: "We want to thank the people of Wallasey for their support, they have been fantastic once again!

"We would also like to thank everyone who has donated goods to us, we truly couldn’t have done it without you.

"We are looking forward to work starting on the new Royal next year and continuing to raise money in memory of our dear son Graeme."